SEOUL, South Korea (AP) _ South Korean authorities are saying North Korea fired two missiles off it eastern coast Saturday.

A statement from South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff says the missiles were fired shortly after 8 a.m. The statement did not provide the range of the missiles. A news agency reported earlier that the North fired two short-range missiles that appeared to be Scud missiles.

North Korea fired four short-range missiles off the east coast on Thursday. There had been speculation that there might be more tests. North Korea had warned shipping to stay away from its east coast effective through July 10.

And Saturday's launches also came on July 4, or U.S. Independence Day. The North has a record of timing missile tests for the U.S. national day.